James Kerr wrote a book on leadership lessons we could learn from the All Blacks, entitled Legacy (Constable, 2013). Richard Smith (current staff) read in whilst recovering in hospital last year, and highly recommends it. The first of fifteen leadership lessons covered is about character, and highlights the value of humility by illustrating how the All Blacks clean up their dressing rooms after themselves - sweeping the sheds. The chapter contains beautiful mantras:
"Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done"
"Our values decide our character. Our character decides our value."
"True excellence begins with humility"
With this in mind, it was really inspirational to see the humility expressed by young ODs when they cleaned up after themselves at the recent Bishops vs St Andrews fixture.
Well done, gents. Your efforts are acknowledged, and your values appreciated.
For more pictures of the guys cleaning, the appreciative staff, and how well the young OD stand looked afterwards, please see under 'Photos' and 'OD vs OA Rugby'